Greek Caesar Salad

Ingredients

While the original American Caesar Salad typically includes ingredients like Parmesan cheese, croutons, and a creamy dressing, our Greek adaptation replaces Parmesan with feta cheese, adds Kalamata olives for a briny kick, and swaps the creamy dressing for a refreshing lemon-oregano dressing. These changes infuse the salad with the distinct flavors of Greek cuisine. We alse have the original recipe for Caesar Salad, so you can check it out.

• 2 heads of romaine lettuce, torn into bite-sized pieces 2 heads of romaine lettuce, torn into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup (150g) crumbled feta cheese 1 cup (150g) crumbled feta cheese
• 1/2 cup (75g) pitted Kalamata olives, halved 1/2 cup (75g) pitted Kalamata olives, halved
• 1/4 cup (60ml) extra virgin olive oil 1/4 cup (60ml) extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 220 kcal / 920 KJ
• Fat: 18g (Total), 6g (Saturated)
• Carbohydrates: 8g (Total), 3g (Sugars)
• Protein: 7g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large salad bowl, combine the torn romaine lettuce, crumbled feta cheese, and halved Kalamata olives.
2. 2.
   In a separate small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, dried oregano, salt, and pepper until well combined.
3. 3.
   Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all the ingredients.
4. 4.
   Serve immediately and enjoy the refreshing flavors of the Greek Caesar Salad.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Feta cheese — For a creamier texture, choose a high-quality feta cheese made from sheep's milk. If you prefer a milder flavor, opt for a milder feta variety.
• Kalamata olives — Look for Kalamata olives packed in brine for the best flavor. Rinse them briefly before using to remove excess saltiness.

Tips & Tricks

• To add some crunch, sprinkle the salad with toasted pine nuts or sliced almonds.
• For a heartier version, add grilled chicken or shrimp to the salad.
• If you prefer a creamier dressing, you can mix in a tablespoon of Greek yogurt.
• To make the salad more substantial, serve it with warm pita bread on the side.
• Experiment with different herbs like fresh dill or mint to enhance the Greek flavors.

Serving advice

Serve the Greek Caesar Salad as a refreshing appetizer or as a light main course. Accompany it with warm pita bread or crusty Greek bread for a complete meal.

Presentation advice

Arrange the salad on a large platter, allowing the vibrant colors of the romaine lettuce, feta cheese, and Kalamata olives to shine through. Garnish with a sprinkle of dried oregano and a few whole Kalamata olives for an elegant touch.